James Harless is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional with more than 20 years of Cyber Security and IT experience, including developing and implementing cybersecurity risk management frameworks, leading cybersecurity risk assessments, and developing risk mitigation strategies and a proven ability to work effectively with senior management and cross-functional teams to align cybersecurity risks with business goals. He also has extensive IT, Project Management, Agile, DevSecOps, and Recruiting experience.

Jim is the Director of Cybersecurity with OCT Consulting, leading OCT’s innovative support in the rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape. Prior to OCT he served as the Senior Information System Security Manager for an established federal contractor leading security efforts for Agile cloud modernization, ensuring security in a fast-paced DevSecOps environment.

James holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Management Information Systems from Salisbury University and is currently pursuing a Masters in Cybersecurity Policy from Georgia Tech University. He also holds Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), CISM (Certified Information Security Manager), and Project Management Professional (PMP) certifications.